DC 2012

2012 was an interesting year for us. DC was the first holiday we’d taken together since the birth of our daughter, Grace. The only one since, also.

Back in 2011 on a web forum (remember those?) I invited internet strangers to stay on our land. They were traveling around North America via truck camper, seeing what they could and taking it all in. Lori thought that we’d likely be murdered, but it turned out OK.

Jonathan and Monika were like us in just about every way we could measure. Mon is a talented photographer (like yours truly) and Jon is a nurse with a drive to learn all the things (like my lovely wife). We all love travel, and we’ve met up just about annually since. Every time we get together, we just pick up where we left off. Great people. They would be near DC for family commitments, and we were looking or an excuse to skip town for a week.

Our flight went pretty well, and we had a week to burn in the District.

Lori is homeJaywalker

Late July is hot anyhow, but DC was enjoying a period of record heat. We’d arrived during a stretch of 16 days 95F or above. It was particularly uncomfortable for Canadians accustomed to high 70’s mid-summer. We made the best of it.

Love on F-Street

The first real aviation museum I visited happened to be the best in the world. I really enjoy all things aviation, and this visit sparked a want to see more and more. I often compare other flight museums unfairly since seeing the Smithsonian on the Mall. It’s ruined me in some ways. I’ve tried and been unsuccessful twice in making the Udvar-Hazy Centre on layovers at Raegan and Dulles.

Wheels upAir & Space

We own a business, and occasionally Lori would halt to take a call. I caught this image within the lobby of the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. It’s one of my favourite images, and I was able to print it to 30″ when I owned an Epson 7600.

Business

The streets were interesting, as DC is an international hub.

Right at the Corner

These grab shots inside a Starbucks on Pennsylvania Avenue were just to finish a roll, but they really bring back memories of the oppressive heat and the way people found whatever excuse they could to get into an air conditioned space. They sparked a change in vision and shooting for me, moving to a more emotive and less technical outcome.

DecideSBUX FlareDC Zoo

DC was our first adventure on the ground in a major American centre. Its a world class city, cosmopolitain and modern. The Metro (though hot when we were there) was efficient and affordable. Our hotel was a block from Union Station granting access to cheap breakfast and the Metro. Being a huge fan of Fallout3, the station names were all familiar and even the stations had landmarks I recognized. I never came to the surface under fire from Super Mutants, though. So there’s that. If you’re ever in the area, West Wing Deli on New Jersey Ave is as good as it gets.

Jonathan and Monika are finished traveling for now, and have settled in Winter Park, FL. Do take some time to read through their travelogue. Their adventures have inspired us nearly as much as their genuine personalities. We’re due for a meeting, and soon.

Monotone images in this set are courtesy of the Fuji GA645, 4.0EBC Fujinon loaded with Ilford HP5. Processing and scans are Ilfosol3 and Epson Perfection 3200 Photo.